BA Design at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The undergraduate Design major begins with the study of basic design elements and processes: form, color, drawing, letterforms and typography, motion, and interactivity. Historical perspectives and social issues are also introduced. At the upper-division level, studio courses explore current uses of interactive media and new directions in visual communication design, including the study of time and motion, as well as virtual form and space in computer-generated environments. Through a balance of courses in theory, criticism, and practice, students develop an understanding of design principles across a wide variety of media tools and environments. The program culminates in a two-quarter-long senior capstone project. Most courses are taught as studios of no more than 22 students, which encourages individual growth and fosters a sense of community within the department.

Faculty: School of the Arts and Architecture | Department: Design|Media Arts | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Lower-division courses in design fundamentals (Design|Media Arts 8, 10, 21, 24, 25, 28 and a studio elective), then required upper-division studios (Design|Media Arts 140-145, 150), lecture course 104, two studio electives and a two-quarter senior project (159A/B).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

UCLA freshman admission (applies to all undergraduate majors, no separate major-level requirements published for this major): 15 UC-approved A-G courses, at least 11 completed before the start of the final year of high school: 2 years history/social science, 4 years college-preparatory English, 3 years mathematics (4 recommended), 2 years laboratory science (3 recommended), 2 years of a language other than English (3 recommended), 1 year visual or performing arts, 1 year college-preparatory elective. SAT/ACT scores are not considered for admission. International applicants educated mostly in a non-English language of instruction with under 3 years of English instruction must demonstrate English proficiency with TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test. Some arts majors require a supplemental application that may include an audition, portfolio or letters of recommendation.

Requirements published at program group level.

Fall quarter only; UCLA does not offer early action or early decision.

Transfer students are admitted for fall quarter only.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Fall 2027 first-year and transfer: UC application opens August 1, accepts submissions October 1-November 30 (deadline November 30) via the UC application. First-year decisions late March; transfer decisions late April. UCLA is test-free and does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarships. Application fees can be waived for up to four campuses for eligible students.

Transfer applicants must submit the Transfer Academic Update by the January 31 priority deadline; Statement of Intent to Register due June 1. First-year Statement of Intent to Register due May 1.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.ucla.edu/apply

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